Sermon on the Mount, Worship

Matthew 6:1-8, 16-18
Worship

What is our Motive in Worship? Worship includes acts of religious devotion such as giving, praying, and fasting. Jesus condemned a theatrical righteousness exhibited by the religious leaders because their motive was self-worship, not the worship of God.

Hypocrites- People who put on a false appearance of virtue or religion.

Synagogues- Local meeting places of the Jewish people during New Testament times. Synagogues were established any place there were as many as 10 Jewish men.

Matthew 6:1-4
1. What words come to you mind when you hear “righteousness”?
2. Why do you think Jesus wants our acts of giving to be seen in secret even to ourselves? (to prevent our gift from becoming a matter of inner pride.)
Jesus condemned the hypocrites motives for giving to the needy to make sure others knew what they were doing and secure a reward from God. Believers are to give their money for the right reasons, as an act of worship and to help others in need.
3. Do you think Jesus would want the same principles of giving to apply to all areas of giving?
4. What other things should Christians give in addition to money?
5. Why do you give your money, time, or talents to God?
6. What rewards do you receive?

Matthew 6:5-8
1. Does Jesus' warnings concerning prayer mean Christians should not pray in public? Why or Why not?

When Christians pray they are to shut out the distractions and disturbances of others, shut themselves in with God, and be thoughtful in their prayers. The motive for prayer is to seek God.

Matthew 6:16-18
1. What are some ways that people “advertise” their religious devotion today? In other words what are some selfish motives as they worship God? (Giving a gift to church asking that it be acknowledged in a worship service, Using “big words” when praying in public, Announcing publicly the intention to skip one meal a day and give the money to missions.)

Hypocrites advertised they were fasting. What was intended as a sign of humiliation became a sign of self-righteousness. Fasting, as a spiritual discipline, is not an occasion for self-display but for self-denial.

Summing up the Lesson
1. Followers of Jesus should not do religious acts to draw attention to themselves.
2. Those who make a display of their giving have received their reward in full.
3. Prayer should be offered to God, not made an occasion for seeking the praise of other people.
4. Fasting needs to be offered to God, not made into a display for the purpose of receiving human praise.

Make a mental note of “acts of righteousness” you may be tempted to do for selfish reasons. Ask God to help create in you a desire to worship Him for the right motives.
Read Psalm 139:1-4, 23-24

(The content of this bible study has been taken from different sources, if you would like a list I would be glad to email one to you)